"No hands" method to adjust saddle fore-aft

Here is a bike fit case study this week. This cyclist has a neurological condition which causes progressive weakness of his ankles and feet. Some creative techniques were used to fit his cleat position. Also demonstrated in this video is a technique to find the best saddle fore-aft position.
Website | www.ernestchaophysio.com
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Keywords: physio burnaby vancouver bike fit physiotherapy assessment physiotherapist dry needling IMS gait assessment biomechanics manual therapy IMS acupuncture exercise prescription rehabilitation

[@embodieddynamics]

Your videos make me want to try cycling seriously! Love your attention to detail and explanation for the reasoning behind the fitting. I'll be looking forward to the next videos =)

[@ecphysiotherapy8012]

I'm glad you're enjoying the content Daehan!

[@bobcampbell2182]

You should try cycling. Road and Mountain both! The bio-mechanics of pedaling is a art. Enjoy the journey.

[@alen-commentnazi8774]

did you try it yet

[@romneydescalzo1819]

For me the saddle is still about 5mm high and the stem is a touch short because of his risk angle, depending on your customers core ill put a spacer on the stem to make it alittle higher to release that shoulder tension. All in all good video. 👌🏼

[@nonguyen6142]

Nice video! 👍🏼 Could you please explain me why I moved the saddle all the way back (limit line) but still hard to keep the "no hand" position as you instruct? I have to put a lot of pressure on my soft tissue to maintain.

[@ecphysiotherapy8012]

Other issues that may still limit your ability to pass the "no hands test": 1) incorrect saddle shape for your anatomy 2) not enough set-back on your seatpost/saddle 3) dysfunction of lumbo-pelvic region affecting your stability/posture on the bike

[@timtracy1920]

Hi. Did you move his saddle aft? Do you recall how far did you moved his saddle? Thanks.

[@ecphysiotherapy8012]

Hi Tim, his saddle was moved aft 1cm from his original position.

[@garmanl7602]

I like the emojis! They must represent how the client was feeling at the time.

[@ecphysiotherapy8012]

Thanks for checking out the videos Garman!

[@keithgreene463]

You know.... the cyclist featured in the video after doing the no hands test slides back an inch or more after putting his hands back on the bars. If this test is accurate that would seem to indicate he needs to slide his saddle forward quite significantly.

[@ecphysiotherapy8012]

Hey Keith, thanks for checking out the videos. You bring up a very good point. The cyclist was sliding forwards slowly on the saddle during the no hands test so he ended up needing to put his hands back on the bars when the front/back balance on the bike no longer allowed him to stay up. I leveled his saddle afterwards but I didn't end up recording footage afterwards. It's good to stay skeptical on anything you see or read on the internet anyway. If you ave a trainer try experimenting with using the no-hands test to see how it is for yourself!

[@matt.rus1]

Surprised to hear this method is patented and copyrighted too......

[@ecphysiotherapy8012]

Haha, excuse my dry humour and sarcasm

[@planttheseed2129]

Man, I wish you were in California. :)

[@ecphysiotherapy8012]

If you ever make you're way up to Vancouver BC, get in touch!

[@craigherriot4026]

His hips still look like they're rocking a bit to me in the after shot.

[@ecphysiotherapy8012]

Hi Craig, thanks for checking out the videos. Do you think it's any better or worse than before making the adjustments? Also to note, the bike is a lot more rigid being on a stationary trainer so rocking can be exaggerated as well.

[@sfef84]

Herniated L4-L5?

[@ecphysiotherapy8012]

Hi sfef84, thanks for checking out the content. Those with herniated discs can often get back to cycling with the conservative treatment and exercises. Greater emphasis should be on hip mobility and spinal/core stability. Some compromises may be needed for a bike fit, where a low aerodynamic position may not be realistic. As well, a position on the bike where the lumbar spine is less flexion, or in other words, is in a more neutral posture while riding would likely help those with a herniated disc.

[@jojisai]

The Naruto run test.

[@ecphysiotherapy8012]

LOL!